Senator Kane Welcomes Upcoming Special Session To Address State Budget Deficit Special Session Scheduled For November 24th

Senator Rob Kane (R-32) said he is looking forward to the opportunity to play a role in mitigating the state budget deficit during the upcoming special legislative session called by Governor M. Jodi Rell for that purpose.

“I continue to believe that doing our best for Connecticut’s taxpayers requires legislators to resist the temptation to tap into the Rainy Day Fund or raise taxes in an attempt to solve our financial problems. Instead, the legislature should work in a bipartisan manner with Governor Rell to make spending cuts that do not threaten public safety or necessary government programs and services,” said Senator Kane, a member of the Appropriations Committee.

“Keep in mind that the General Assembly is being called into special session to address the $300 million deficit in this year’s $17.073 billion state budget. Once we resolve our immediate financial issues, Connecticut still faces the very real possibility of a state budget deficit that could grow to more than $2 billion over the next two fiscal years. So, what we do during the November 24th special session to deal with the current deficit will set the stage for the next couple of years. Connecticut’s families and businesses are counting on us to do the right thing,” said Senator Kane.

Senator Kane noted that there is not enough money in the state’s $1.4 billion Rainy Day Fund to cover the projected multi-year state budget deficit. He said that Connecticut’s businesses and families cannot afford to pay higher taxes, especially now during the economic downturn.

“Governor Rell has done what she can on her own to cut spending from the existing state budget, and submitted a deficit mitigation plan to the legislature. Looking ahead, she has directed state agencies to submit budget proposals for the next two years that call for less spending. Now it is time for the General Assembly to step in and help. I welcome the opportunity,” said Senator Kane.

Senator Kane said he would like to hear constituents’ ideas for addressing the state’s budget problems. Senator Kane can be reached at his legislative office in Hartford at 1-800-842-1421 or via e-mail to [email protected].